IN THE KNOW
PUBLISHER: FALCOM (JPN), XSEED GAMES (USA), GHOSTLIGHT (EUROPE)
DEVELOPER: FALCOM
RELEASED: 2004
PLATFORM: PC, PSP
GENRE: RPG
If there’s one thing many beloved Japanese RPG series have in common, it’s that regardless of the number at the end, you can largely expect each instalment to be a brand-new adventure with new characters and settings, even if some things like terminology for magic, currency, or enemy types carry over.
Falcom was therefore ahead of the curve with its series (beginning as part of the company’s series) where, from the third entry, it released three games that were actually part of the same world and collectively known as the . It was the first of these games, (confusingly re-titled in its North American release as ) that first caught the attention of Toshihiro Kondo. “The rich, detailed story, captivating characters and warm, inviting world setting got me thinking about just how amazing the care and planning that went into the game was,” he says. It was also the beginning of his”. It was his fondness for that led to Kondo creating a fan website dedicated to the game during his time as a university student, which became his entry point to joining his dream company, initially to maintain the company’s servers before getting the opportunity to try his hand at scenario writing, adding, “In Falcom, even if someone might not have particular experience with something, if they seem capable, they are given a chance to prove themselves.” Having also gained experience with managing entire project schedules and even giving direct suggestions to the development team, Kondo acquired the expertise needed to take the helm himself when Falcom decided to develop a new title. When that moment came, the would be a constant comparison to measure by.
